1.Effects of baicalin on ferroptosis of mouse fibroblasts under high glucose treatment and its mechanism
Zheng GONG ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Xiaomei LI ; Zhimin YIN ; Limin BAI ; Jiaxi WANG ; Yujia HAN ; Shuangyi XU ; Lu YU ; Gang XU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(3):277-285
Objective:To investigate the effects of baicalin on ferroptosis of mouse fibroblasts (Fbs) under high glucose treatment and its mechanism, and to provide a basis for the treatment of diabetic wounds.Methods:The study was an experimental study. Mouse Fbs were collected and divided into control group with conventional culture, high glucose group treated with glucose at final molarity of 30.0 mmol/L, and low baicalin group and high baicalin group pretreated with baicalin at final molarties of 5 and 10 μmol/L respectively and then treated as that in high glucose group. After 48 h of culture, the cell survival rate was detected by the cell counting kit-8, the reactive oxygen species level in cells was detected by the fluorescent probe method, the levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, and ferrous ion in cells were detected by colorimetry, and the protein expression levels of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cells and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cytoplasm and nucleus were detected by Western blotting. Another batch of mouse Fbs were collected and divided into control group, high glucose group, high baicalin group, and high baicalin+ML385 group. The cells in the first three groups were treated as before, the cells in the last group were pretreated with baicalin and ML385 of Nrf2 inhibitor at final molarties of 10 μmol/L and then treated as that in high glucose group. After 48 h of culture, the protein expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in cells and the protein expression level of Nrf2 in cytoplasm and nucleus were detected as before. Except that the sample number in detecting SLC7A11 and GPX4 was 4, the sample number in detecting other indexes was 3.Results:After 48 h of culture, the cell survival rates in control group, high glucose group, low baicalin group, and high baicalin group were (100.0±10.7)%, (70.0±5.0)%, (80.9±3.2)%, and (91.4±1.9)%, respectively. Compared with those in control group, the cell survival rate, the glutathione level, and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level were significantly decreased in high glucose group ( P<0.05), and the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ion in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level were significantly increased in high glucose group ( P<0.05). Compared with those in high glucose group, the cell survival rate, glutathione level, SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level in low baicalin group and high baicalin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), the reactive oxygen species and ferrous ion levels in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level in low baicalin group and high baicalin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the malondialdehyde level in cells in high baicalin group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with those in low baicalin group, the cell survival rate, glutathione level, SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level in high baicalin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ion levels in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level in high baicalin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). After 48 h of culture, compared with those in control group, the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly increased in high glucose group ( P<0.05); compared with those in high glucose group, the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly increased in high baicalin group ( P<0.05); compared with those in high baicalin group, the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly decreased in high baicalin+ML385 group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Baicalin can inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis in cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and up-regulating the expressions of proteins related to SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in Fbs in high glucose treatment, thus increasing the cell survival rate.
2.Mechanism of A20 in rheumatoid arthritis and progress of Chinese medicine intervention
Yiying WU ; Yujia LIU ; Lei ZHENG ; Li LIU ; Xinyi CHEN ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(9):2123-2130
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic,aggressive joint inflammation,which seriously harms mental and physical health of patients.Efficacy of clinical drugs for RA is limited,so it is a hot issue to seek new therapeutic targets and drugs.Zinc finger protein A20,a cytoplasmic ubiquitin modifier,is closely related to negative regulation of nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB),an inflammatory signaling pathway,and has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.A20 is involved in pathogenesis of RA and can improve inflammatory response and bone destruction of RA.Treatment of RA by traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages of multi-target and multi-pathway,and studies have found that traditional Chinese medicine has a regulatory effect on A20.This paper expounds mechanism of A20 in RA and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine intervention in A20,in order to provide references for treatment and drug development of RA.
3.Discussion on the Treatment Formulas of Classical Prescriptions for Treating Type-2 Diabetes Secondary to Depression from the Theory of"Thirst Caused by Depression"
Zhichao ZHENG ; Mingze ZHENG ; Yujia LIU
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(2):235-240
[Objective]To explore the prevention and treatment of type-2 diabetes(T2DM)secondary to depression by using classical formulas,based on the theory of"thirst induced by depression"as described in the Huangdi Neijing,and systematically review relevant texts in traditional Chinese medicine literature.[Methods]Utilizing the"thirst induced by depression"theory from the Huangdi Neijing,this study employs literature research to analyze ancient texts such as Jingui Yaolue,Zhubing Yuanhou Lun and Shennong Bencao Jing for theoretical support regarding the causes,pathogenesis and transmission of depressive syndromes and consumption disorders.This foundation allows for an exploration of the mechanisms through which depressive syndromes lead to consumption and the therapeutic strategies for managing T2DM secondary to depression in clinical practice.Finally,a test case was attached to support it.[Results]The concept of"Yin syndrome"characterized by"weakened organ Qi"shares a common pathological basis with"consumption",particularly during the"weakened five organs"stage.The pathological progression is similar to that seen in the development of T2DM secondary to depression.Specifically,the"Yin syndrome"associated with"weakened organ Qi"may evolve into a consumption syndrome due to prolonged Qi stagnation and increasing heat.Therefore,based on the pathological sequence of"fluid deficiency—Qi stagnation—heat transformation",the entire pathological process of depression leading to T2DM can be categorized into three stages for diagnosis and treatment:"early stage—progressive stage—end stage".The attached test case was of hot Qi stagnation and fluid injury type depression,treated to relieve heat for notifying fluid,clearing Qi and relieving depression,administered with revised Lily Powder and achieved good curative effect.[Conclusion]In the early stage of depression leading to T2DM,the primary condition is fluid and blood deficiency,treated by nourishing fluids,with reference to the Baihe Dihuang Decoction.During the progressive stage,Qi stagnation predominates alongside fluid deficiency,treated by regulating Qi and resolving stagnation,with references to the Chaihu Baihe Decoction.In the end stage,characterized by internal heat,the treatment focuses on clearing heat and nourishing fluids,with representative formulas including Guolou Muli San and Baihe San,depending on the presence or absence of Qi stagnation.
4.Association of parent-child connectedness and peers romantic behaviors with romantic relationships of secondary vocational school students
XU Simin, ZUO Xiayun, FANG Yuhang, YU Chunyan, LIAN Qiguo, LOU Chaohua, ZHENG Yujia, TU Xiaowen
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(10):1422-1426
Objective:
To explore the association between parent-child connectedness and romantic relationships of secondary vocational school students and the moderating effect of peers romantic behavior, providing scientific basis for family and school health education.
Methods:
From March to April 2021,2 426 students from six secondary vocational and technical schools in Shanghai and Shaanxi Province were selected to conduct the survey by combining convenience sampling and cluster sampling.Electronic questionnaires were used to collect data on students family characteristics,oneself and peer romantic behaviors, and parent-child bonding. The t-test was employed for inter group comparisons, and binary Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between parent-child bonding levels, peer romantic behavior, and the romantic behavior of secondary vocational students.
Results:
The mother-child connection (2.63±0.77) was higher than that of father-child connection (2.48±0.78), with statistically significant difference ( t =6.83, P <0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression showed that overall father-child connectedness was negatively associated with students romantic relationships( OR =0.86,95% CI =0.76-0.97, P =0.02)and was only associated to girls romantic relationships when stratified by gender( OR =0.79,95% CI =0.66-0.93, P =0.01). Peers romantic relationships were positively associated with students romantic relationships ( OR =3.19-5.12, all P <0.01), and there was a moderating effect of the association between maternal connectedness and boys romantic relationships ( OR =1.67, 95% CI =1.05-2.66, P =0.03). Among boys without romantic peers, mother-child connectedness was negatively associated with their romantic relationships ( OR = 0.60 , 95% CI =0.36-0.99, P <0.05). In the total sample of Shanghai and girls of Shaanxi, father-child connectedness was negatively correlated with the romantic relationships of secondary vocational school students ( OR =0.84,0.65,95% CI =0.71-1.00,0.50-0.85,both P <0.05). Peer romantic relationships exhibited a negative moderating effect on the influence of mother-child connectedness on the romantic relationships of males in Shanghai ( OR =1.91, 95% CI =1.03-3.57, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The father-daughter connectedness is negatively correlated with girls romantic behavior, and peer romantic behavior weakens the correlation between mother-child connectedness and boys romantic behavior. Efforts should be made to enhance the parent-child connectedness of secondary vocational students and their ability to cope with peer influence, providing proper guidance for adolescents heterosexual interactions.
5.NUMB endocytic adaptor protein (NUMB) mediates the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of artesunate (ART) by inducing senescence in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).
Yangling QIU ; Yujia LI ; Mengran LI ; Yingqian WANG ; Min SHEN ; Jiangjuan SHAO ; Feng ZHANG ; Xuefen XU ; Feixia WANG ; Zili ZHANG ; Shizhong ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(3):322-333
Developing and identifying effective medications and targets for treating hepatic fibrosis is an urgent priority. Our previous research demonstrated the efficacy of artesunate (ART) in alleviating liver fibrosis by eliminating activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear despite these findings. Notably, endocytic adaptor protein (NUMB) has significant implications for treating hepatic diseases, but current research primarily focuses on liver regeneration and hepatocellular carcinoma. The precise function of NUMB in liver fibrosis, particularly its ability to regulate HSCs, requires further investigation. This study aims to elucidate the role of NUMB in the anti-hepatic fibrosis action of ART in HSCs. We observed that the expression level of NUMB significantly decreased in activated HSCs compared to quiescent HSCs, exhibiting a negative correlation with the progression of liver fibrosis. Additionally, ART induced senescence in activated HSCs through the NUMB/P53 tumor suppressor (P53) axis. We identified NUMB as a crucial regulator of senescence in activated HSCs and as a mediator of ART in determining cell fate. This research examines the specific target of ART in eliminating activated HSCs, providing both theoretical and experimental evidence for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Hepatic Stellate Cells/cytology*
;
Liver Cirrhosis/genetics*
;
Artesunate/pharmacology*
;
Cellular Senescence/drug effects*
;
Membrane Proteins/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Humans
;
Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics*
;
Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics*
;
Male
;
Mice
6.Mechanism of A20 in rheumatoid arthritis and progress of Chinese medicine intervention
Yiying WU ; Yujia LIU ; Lei ZHENG ; Li LIU ; Xinyi CHEN ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(9):2123-2130
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic,aggressive joint inflammation,which seriously harms mental and physical health of patients.Efficacy of clinical drugs for RA is limited,so it is a hot issue to seek new therapeutic targets and drugs.Zinc finger protein A20,a cytoplasmic ubiquitin modifier,is closely related to negative regulation of nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB),an inflammatory signaling pathway,and has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.A20 is involved in pathogenesis of RA and can improve inflammatory response and bone destruction of RA.Treatment of RA by traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages of multi-target and multi-pathway,and studies have found that traditional Chinese medicine has a regulatory effect on A20.This paper expounds mechanism of A20 in RA and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine intervention in A20,in order to provide references for treatment and drug development of RA.
7.Discussion on the Treatment Formulas of Classical Prescriptions for Treating Type-2 Diabetes Secondary to Depression from the Theory of"Thirst Caused by Depression"
Zhichao ZHENG ; Mingze ZHENG ; Yujia LIU
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(2):235-240
[Objective]To explore the prevention and treatment of type-2 diabetes(T2DM)secondary to depression by using classical formulas,based on the theory of"thirst induced by depression"as described in the Huangdi Neijing,and systematically review relevant texts in traditional Chinese medicine literature.[Methods]Utilizing the"thirst induced by depression"theory from the Huangdi Neijing,this study employs literature research to analyze ancient texts such as Jingui Yaolue,Zhubing Yuanhou Lun and Shennong Bencao Jing for theoretical support regarding the causes,pathogenesis and transmission of depressive syndromes and consumption disorders.This foundation allows for an exploration of the mechanisms through which depressive syndromes lead to consumption and the therapeutic strategies for managing T2DM secondary to depression in clinical practice.Finally,a test case was attached to support it.[Results]The concept of"Yin syndrome"characterized by"weakened organ Qi"shares a common pathological basis with"consumption",particularly during the"weakened five organs"stage.The pathological progression is similar to that seen in the development of T2DM secondary to depression.Specifically,the"Yin syndrome"associated with"weakened organ Qi"may evolve into a consumption syndrome due to prolonged Qi stagnation and increasing heat.Therefore,based on the pathological sequence of"fluid deficiency—Qi stagnation—heat transformation",the entire pathological process of depression leading to T2DM can be categorized into three stages for diagnosis and treatment:"early stage—progressive stage—end stage".The attached test case was of hot Qi stagnation and fluid injury type depression,treated to relieve heat for notifying fluid,clearing Qi and relieving depression,administered with revised Lily Powder and achieved good curative effect.[Conclusion]In the early stage of depression leading to T2DM,the primary condition is fluid and blood deficiency,treated by nourishing fluids,with reference to the Baihe Dihuang Decoction.During the progressive stage,Qi stagnation predominates alongside fluid deficiency,treated by regulating Qi and resolving stagnation,with references to the Chaihu Baihe Decoction.In the end stage,characterized by internal heat,the treatment focuses on clearing heat and nourishing fluids,with representative formulas including Guolou Muli San and Baihe San,depending on the presence or absence of Qi stagnation.
8.Effects of baicalin on ferroptosis of mouse fibroblasts under high glucose treatment and its mechanism
Zheng GONG ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Xiaomei LI ; Zhimin YIN ; Limin BAI ; Jiaxi WANG ; Yujia HAN ; Shuangyi XU ; Lu YU ; Gang XU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(3):277-285
Objective:To investigate the effects of baicalin on ferroptosis of mouse fibroblasts (Fbs) under high glucose treatment and its mechanism, and to provide a basis for the treatment of diabetic wounds.Methods:The study was an experimental study. Mouse Fbs were collected and divided into control group with conventional culture, high glucose group treated with glucose at final molarity of 30.0 mmol/L, and low baicalin group and high baicalin group pretreated with baicalin at final molarties of 5 and 10 μmol/L respectively and then treated as that in high glucose group. After 48 h of culture, the cell survival rate was detected by the cell counting kit-8, the reactive oxygen species level in cells was detected by the fluorescent probe method, the levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, and ferrous ion in cells were detected by colorimetry, and the protein expression levels of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cells and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cytoplasm and nucleus were detected by Western blotting. Another batch of mouse Fbs were collected and divided into control group, high glucose group, high baicalin group, and high baicalin+ML385 group. The cells in the first three groups were treated as before, the cells in the last group were pretreated with baicalin and ML385 of Nrf2 inhibitor at final molarties of 10 μmol/L and then treated as that in high glucose group. After 48 h of culture, the protein expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in cells and the protein expression level of Nrf2 in cytoplasm and nucleus were detected as before. Except that the sample number in detecting SLC7A11 and GPX4 was 4, the sample number in detecting other indexes was 3.Results:After 48 h of culture, the cell survival rates in control group, high glucose group, low baicalin group, and high baicalin group were (100.0±10.7)%, (70.0±5.0)%, (80.9±3.2)%, and (91.4±1.9)%, respectively. Compared with those in control group, the cell survival rate, the glutathione level, and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level were significantly decreased in high glucose group ( P<0.05), and the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ion in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level were significantly increased in high glucose group ( P<0.05). Compared with those in high glucose group, the cell survival rate, glutathione level, SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level in low baicalin group and high baicalin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), the reactive oxygen species and ferrous ion levels in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level in low baicalin group and high baicalin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the malondialdehyde level in cells in high baicalin group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with those in low baicalin group, the cell survival rate, glutathione level, SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level in high baicalin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ion levels in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level in high baicalin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). After 48 h of culture, compared with those in control group, the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly increased in high glucose group ( P<0.05); compared with those in high glucose group, the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly increased in high baicalin group ( P<0.05); compared with those in high baicalin group, the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly decreased in high baicalin+ML385 group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Baicalin can inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis in cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and up-regulating the expressions of proteins related to SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in Fbs in high glucose treatment, thus increasing the cell survival rate.
9.Study on the Mechanism of Jianpi Yangzheng Formula Regulating Tumor-Associated Macrophage Exosomes to Induce Anoikis in Gastric Cancer Cells
Shanshan ZHENG ; Jian WU ; Ruijuan ZHANG ; Xiang ZHANG ; Xiaoxia ZHENG ; Yujia LU ; Lei HUANG ; Qingmin SUN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(9):906-916
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Jianpi Yangzheng(JPYZ)formula regulating tumor-associated macrophage(TAM)exosomes on anoikis in gastric cancer and its mechanism.METHODS TAM model was established by inducing human mononuclear THP-1 cells in vitro;M0,TAM and TAM+JPYZ formula exosomes were extracted by ultracentrifugation and co-incuba-ted with gastric cancer cells.Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of exosomes in each group on anoikis in gastric cancer cells.A BALB/c transplanted tumor mouse model was constructed,and the expression level of apoptotic proteins in transplanted tumors was detected by Western blot.Label-free mass spectrometry proteomics and bioinformatics were used to analyze the differential proteins in gastric cancer cells before and after intervention;Western blot and qPCR experiments were used to detect the expression level of dif-ferential protein isocitrate dehydrogenase 1(IDH1),and ubiquitination experiments were used to detect the ubiquitination level of IDH1;kits were used to detect the levels of α-ketoglutarate(α-KG),NADPH/NADP+,glutathione(GSH/GSSG)and reactive oxy-gen species(ROS)content.RESULTS The anoikis rate of gastric cancer cells was reduced after TAM exosomes intervention(P<0.05,P<0.01),while it was significantly increased after TAM+JPYZ exosomes intervention(P<0.05,P<0.01).In the in vivo mouse experiment,the ratio of Cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 in the tumor of the TAM exosome group was reduced(P<0.05),while the ra-tio was significantly increased after TAM+JPYZ exosome intervention(P<0.05).Proteomic analysis showed that IDH1 was significant-ly different after intervention,and was related to tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism.Compared with the M0 group,the IDH1 ubiquiti-nation level of gastric cancer cells in the TAM group with exosome intervention was increased,the levels of α-KG,NADPH/NADP+and GSH/GSSG were significantly increased,and the ROS content was reduced(P<0.05),while TAM+JPYZ exosomes could reverse the above phenomenon.CONCLUSION JPYZ Formula can regulate TAM exosomes to cause ubiquitin degradation of IDH1 in gas-tric cancer cells,reduce the level of tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism in gastric cancer cells,promote ROS accumulation,induce anoikis in gastric cancer,and thus inhibit the development of gastric cancer.
10.Status and barriers to functional monitoring of autogenous arteriovenous fistula in 506 hemodialysis centers
Yao LIU ; Jing LI ; Liyun CAO ; Xizi ZHENG ; Jinwei WANG ; Jing XIANG ; Mo SU ; Chun LI ; Yujia LIU ; Zhiwen WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(24):2966-2972
Objective To investigate the practice and barriers to functional monitoring of autogenous arteriove-nous fistula(AVF)in hemodialysis centers in China.Methods Using convenience sampling,from March to April 2022,a questionnaire was designed based on the literature of AVF functional monitoring,and a total of 527 hemodialysis centers in China were investigated from 3 aspects,including monitoring process and system,monitoring method and cont ent,and monitoring team construction.Results 506 questionnaires were effectively recovered,with a recovery rate of 96.02%.The implementation rate of the 12 entries of AVF functional monitoring ranged from 12.65%~79.84%,with an overall score of(4.97±3.03).The scores had statistically significant differences in 6 admin-istrative regions of China in monitoring process and system,monitoring method and content,and monitoring team building,as well as the total scores(P<0.001).Barriers were centered on management specification,human resource allocation,professional training,and healthcare costs.Conclusion Hospital administrators should construct and per-fect the relevant management system according to the scale and actual situation of different hemodialysis centers,strengthen the supervision of AVF functional monitoring as well as the personalised management of monitoring pro-tocols,and promote the development of a multidisciplinary cooperation model for vascular access.


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